Garage Safety: What We Can Learn From Jay Leno’s Accident

Author: Jason / Date: December 12, 2022 / Tags: Jay Leno

(RareCarMarket.com) – For those who haven’t heard, beloved late-night host and car enthusiast Jay Leno suffered a terrible accident while working on one of his many vehicles. Leno was working on the fuel system of one of his vintage cars when he was sprayed with gasoline, and a spark ignited the accelerant, causing third-degree burns to his hands and face. While the TV personality was fortunate to have a friend nearby to save him, he spent several days in the hospital and could require skin grafts. If it can happen to someone like Leno, it can happen to anyone — here’s how to keep your workspace safe. 

Working on vehicles yourself can be a rewarding experience, but it can also turn deadly in a heartbeat if you don’t take the necessary precautions. So, first on the list of ways to keep your garage safe is having a set of jack stands handy. Never work under a car without ensuring it’s not going anywhere. To do so, chock the wheels and jack the car up. Once it’s elevated off the ground, insert jack stands to secure it. Never work solely with a jack, as it could slip and cause serious injury.

Safety glasses are critical, no matter how small the job. Putting them on only takes a few seconds, and they could save your eyes. The best part is they’re cheap and easy to replace. Also, be sure you have a fire extinguisher ready at all times. You never know when a fire might break out, especially with many of the combustible chemicals and solvents found in a garage — as Jay Leno found out the hard way. 

Last but not least, it’s important not to panic when faced with an emergency. Keeping a cool and calm head will help prevent the situation from worsening. DIY repairs are fun and rewarding, but make safety your top priority. At the end of the day, you can never predict when an accident will occur; that’s why preparation is key. 

Copyright 2022, RareCarMarket.com